Humankind has long been obsessed with trying to smell good. Today on #ReadTheLabel, we'll take a brief look at the history of deodorants - and find out what's good - and bad - about masking, preventing, fighting and sweetening body odor.

So why do we stink? Contrary to common perception, it isn't sweat that stinks. Sweat cools down our body by evaporating off the skin, and that doesn't leave a smell at all. But in places like the armpits and groin, sweat doesn't fully evaporate, creating a moist environment where bacteria thrive. And where bacteria multiply, a not-so-pleasant aroma abounds.

smell armpit (Source)

Throughout history, humans have invented many ways to cut down on B.O. Baths and perfume Ancient Egyptians bathed in perfume and women placed perfumed wax on their heads that melted throughout the day, covering up unsavory smells. The Greeks and Romans ushered about a golden age of bathing, which was even a daily communal activity. When Rome fell, though, so did baths. In fact, from the middle ages until the 19th century, perfume was almost exclusively the weapon of choice against stink.

via GIPHY

Early aluminum-based deodorants Pliny the Elder documented the use of alum (tawas in the Philippines) for neutralizing armpit odor in 77 AD - and it's used to this day. The earliest patented deodorants came out in the late 19th century, one of which was an acidic solution of aluminum chloride which stung the skin and ate through clothing!

smell armpit (Source)

Modern sticks, roll-ons and sprays Modern deos and antiperspirants come in different formats and work in a number of ways to prevent odor. As science has progressed, we've learned to take safer measures with controlling smell. The first aluminum chloride formulation fell out of favor because it damaged skin. Ozone-destroying CFC aerosol sprays were banned. But many deodorant products still have hidden health risks.

smell armpit (Source)

Most antiperspirants use an aluminum compound which acts like a plug, stopping sweat right at the sweat glands. However, since these compounds do not break down, daily use can contribute to the body's aluminum burden, which may tax the kidneys in the long run. Strong fragrances are almost always present, to help mask odor. These are frequently paired with phthalates, scent plasticizers that make the fragrance last longer but are suspected endocrine disruptors. Because of the risk of bacterial contamination from repeated skin contact, many roll-on formats have parabens (often propylparaben, butylparaben or methylparaben) to extend the deo's shelf life. These are preservatives that mimic hormones, which may lead to cancer, and are linked to reproductive health issues. It ain't the pits Don't despair, though! Fortunately, the science of stopping stink has never stopped advancing - and there are plenty of natural alternatives available.

hurray (Source)

We repeat: sweat doesn't stink - and it's one of the body's natural ways of eliminating waste, so why stop it with aluminum compounds? Look for deos that are aluminum-free and instead have safe, plant-based antibacterial actives to halt the stink from bacteria. Natural fragrances from essential oils are also a safer alternative to phthalate-laden odor masks. (There's one thing the ancient Egyptians got right!) And finally, parabens aren't the only way to go to keep your deo fresh. Look instead for anise- and rice-derived preservatives like anisic acid. So now... you know! Share what you've learned and get 10% off a single receipt purchase of Human Nature products at any of our branches or the online store.*
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Simply share in a public post any of our#ReadTheLabel posts (look for the pink heart!) and message our page with the link or screenshot to receive a  one-time 10% discount code. Tag as many friends as you like - if they share our posts, they can also claim the discount. Check out Human Nature's line of deos that are completely free from aluminum compounds, parabens and phthalates - and stay in the pink of health! *This code is valid up to October 31, 2017 and is for non-dealers and non-members only. Members and dealers will enjoy 5% off on top of their existing discount. References: